Monday, April 3, 2006

MapQuest Goes Mobile

Denver, Colorado-based MapQuest has launched itself into the mobile space, announcing this morning that the firm has added a new, mobile service offering turn-by-turn navigation via mobile phone. MapQuest said today that its new MapQuest Navigator service is working with Telmap to allow consumers to use GPS-based, voice-guided directions for mobile phones. The new service will provide full-color maps and turn-by-turn navigation, along with location based services such as directions to restaurants, hotels, and theaters. MapQuest also said that it will now provide a free Web service that formats maps specifically for mobile phones, based on technology from InfoGin. The free web service supports BREW, Java, BlackBerry, Windows mobile, and Symbian platforms. Terms of the two technology deals was not disclosed. The MapQuest Navigator service is expected to available later this year. MapQuest is a subsidiary of AOL.